I'm calling my quilt "star struck". It measures 66 inches by 72 inches. The fabrics are Happy Go Lucky, by Bonnie and Camille, some Avalon, and a few other stash fabrics that I had on hand. The backing is Aqua Kona Cotton.
The back was pieced with the remaining diamonds from the top. I included a few tiny stars made from the little scraps left over. I love it.
I free-motion quilted it using stacked lines within the stars and stippling everywhere else. I am hooked on free-motion quilting now. And it doesn't scare me anymore, so that's something.
It was bound in a red and white bias print from the "Scrumptious" line by Bonnie and Camille.
I need to get more of this print. It is so pretty.
It's been a bit of a journey. Here's what I've learned:
-
Know
what you are getting into when you commit to a project
-
Backstitch
at the beginning and ending of seams
-
Take
the time to fix your mistakes when you figure this out, even after your
quilt top has been sewn together.
-
Remember
it's just fabric.... It's really hard to wreck it and if you do, the world
won't come to a halt
-
Stretch
your comfort levels... Try new things or techniques that intimidate you
-
Be
inspired by other crafters but don't compare
-
Press,
press, and press some more
-
Break
the quilt down into chunk sized tasks
-
Be
proud when you accomplish one of these tasks
-
Press
your seams open
-
Don't
bite off more than you can chew (ie. a really complicated quilt back)
-
But
if you do, chew it well, and admire the effect
-
Sleep
periodically
-
Don't
be annoyed when your family asks for dinner.... Again.
-
If
you are having a bad sewing day and making really obvious mistakes, put it down
and try again tomorrow
-
Know
when to pick out stitches and when to embrace them
-
Remember.
It's just a quilt... Not brain surgery. No one will die (or even notice) if you
make a mistake. Hopefully.
-
When
you've put upwards of a hundred hours into a project, savor every stitch of
the binding. Revel in it. You are almost there.
-
When
free-motion quilting, periodically re-tighten your machine foot. Apparently
they can wiggle loose.
-
Try
to remember that you have children needing to be picked up from school. (If
applicable)
-
When
doing that, try to remember not to show up at the school looking like you've
been hiding in a cave for a year with thread in your hair.
-
Do
your best, not someone else's.
-
Know
when to give up on an idea if you just don't like it. Don't be afraid to take
time and re-evaluate.
-
Blink
when quilting. (Took me a while to figure out why my eyes were hurting.)
-
Acknowledge
that your quilt will not be perfect. BUT, it will be perfect for you.
-
Bury
your thread knots as you go.
-
Know
when to take a creative "break", but remember to come back.
-
And
most of all ... don't give up.
Linking up with Amanda at Crazy Mom Quilts for finish it up Friday.
Linking up with Amanda at Crazy Mom Quilts for finish it up Friday.
